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CHAPTER SEVEN
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56******
The buses are already at the mess but the drivers aren’t, yet. So, I sit on a bench in front of a closed kiosk waiting for others to arrive.Bit by bit people start to show up, many are carrying bags much heavier than mine. Some are even carrying boxes “And here I am, thinking I over packed” I laugh out a bit.“Ah, mama Unwana,” that is what we call every woman with children. We call them mama followed by the name of their first child. The name of my daughter is unwana so, I’m called mama unwana. “You done reach?” Mrs. Okolo (mama Chinelo) asks.Seeing mama Chinelo approaching me with the large bag on her head, make me burst out laughing. “Yes oo,” I reply “this one wey you carry Ghana-must-go so, nawa oo, na only Chika get am?” I ask amaze at the size of the bag which is bigger than mine. And Chika happens to be her second child after Chinelo.“My sister, you know how all this our children dey behave, you go buy one thing today, tomorrow, them go thief am finish” She complains.I get up from my seated position and help her drop the bag from her head “Hmm, tell me about it” I say, remembering my daughter’s own complaint.“Chika called me oo through his guardian, telling me that everything he has was stolen, from his books to his sandals and now we have to buy everything all over again.”“But na waoo, no be SSS 1 Chika dey?” I quiz, surprise“See me oo, yes na, but wattin person go do?” She states, rhetorically.“It is well” that’s all I can say to it all.A strident voice announces the names of the people who paid to get inside the bus one after the other. And as soon as I heard my name, I hurry into the bus and find a comfortably seat by the window. When the man was done calling the names, the bus driver starts the engine and takes off*********We pull into the school premises at 11:15 AM but the student are not allowed out to the visiting ground until 12:30pm so, we enter the school auditorium where we all had to attend the P.T.A meeting.Soon after a long discussion, argument and suggestion, the meeting finally comes to a close and all parents troop to the second gate of the school, waiting for the student to match out. If anything, orderliness is a model feature of this school. Inspite of their population, all students are made to line up on a straight file and match through the second gate into the visiting ground. The soldiers mounting at strategic points, strictly supervises the line, making sure that no one breaks the line.I know Unwana knows where the Navy Town bus usually park but I like standing at the second gate checking for her.“Unwana!” I yell, thrilled, as I catch sight of her.My little angle sprints through the crowd and into my arms. “Baby, how are you?” I ask, not releasing her from my tight embrace.“Mommy, I’m better now seeing you.” She replies, melting my heart. I have so missed my little girl.“See how sharp you are looking.” I complements, disengaging the hug and having a good look at her. I notice how lean Unwana has become, her beautiful brown eyes has sunk into her eye socket, her chubby cheeks has disappeared and her collar bone are now so visible and her skin looks darker and dry. What have they done to my daughter? I give her a hopeful smile and hug her again.“I try, mom,” she replies “My school mother also helped me wash and iron my white.”“That’s reminds me, how is she, senior Idowu?”“She’s fine mom.”“Ok, come we have to hurry before your food gets cold.” I hasten her. I can see her literally dancing on hearing food.“Mommy, is Uncle Chidi here with you? He promised.” She looks around me in search of him.“Emm,” I hesitate a bit, clearing my throat. I don’t want to tell her that we broke up especially now that she is already growing fund of him. She will know eventually but not now.“He couldn’t make it.” I continue with my hand runs through her unkempt hair “You need to cut this your hair oo, its bushy” I say diverting the topic, quickly.She smiles and take my hand in hers. ”I miss you mom.” Hearing those word makes me so happy. Does she know how much I miss her too? She held my hand in hers and we walk towards the bus together.PIDGIN ENGLISHOkada!- - - - - - - - - - Bike!Abeg I dey go… - - - - - - - Please, I’m going to...Oya na- - - - - - - - - - OkNo worry, I go hol’am- - - - - - - don’t worry, I will hold itWatin happen? All the money wey you no makesince the beginning of this week, na for my head you wan make am abi? No be fifty naira una dey collect? - - - (What happen? all the money you could not acquire since the week began, is it from me you want to acquire them? Is it not fifty naira you all charge?)Something wey no far sef, I no blame you, na mumu una dey like- - - (The place is not far, you all love blind Followers)no be fight na, oya, enter- - - - - - (we are not fighting, ok, get on)For Lagos, everybody eye dey shuk oo so, person gaz wiseup - - - - - - (in lagos, one have to be careful)You done reach?- - - - - - - - you are here already?Wey- - - - - - - - - - thatnawa oo, na only Chika get am?- - - - - - hmm, is this for Chika alone?dey behave, you go buy one thing today, tomorrow them go thief am finish- - - - -always behave, you will buy one thing today and tomorrow it will be stolen.Na wa oo, no be ss1 Chika dey- - - - - - shocking, is he not in SSS 1?See me oo, yes na, but wattin person go do?- - - - - yes but what can I do?Related chapters
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LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER NINE
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LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER TEN
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LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER ELEVEN
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LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER TWELVE
****ENO POV“Excuse me, every one. Can I get your attention, please” Uche announces from the center of the living room I tap Omoh's shoulders, signaling her to listen.“I’m so happy you all made out time to be here this evening and most of all, I’m delighted that you all are about to witness something I’ve been planning to do for the past three months—”I raise my eyebrows on top of a wide smile at my clueless friend who stared at her boyfriend without words “What is he talking about?” I ask.“I have no idea.” she replies, shaking her head.“Heartbeat, come please” We hear Uche call to my friend who walks like a robot towards him while the crowd cheers for her.He holds her hands, smiling and ogling lovingly into her eyes. And just before we know it, Uche goes down on one knee. My heart flutters as if I was the one being proposed too. What a lovely experience and I feel nothing but pure happiness for my best friend.“I didn’t realize how empty my world was until you walked into it f
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER THIRTEEN
******"“One way or another we’ve heard that the secret of becoming healthy is to acquire a 10% rest, 10% exercise and 30% diet. Now the question is what is diet? Diet is anything we eat but we have an unbalance diet and a balance diet. We have been taught since primary school that balance diet is eating all the classes of food in the right proportion. Right?” Mrs.Lawal, lecturer on DIET 101 ask the student sitting in front of her.“Right.” The class chorus.“Hey, hey” Jude hits me lightly, waking me from my attempt on sleeping.“Yeah, I’m awake. What did I miss?” i ask, whispering.I can hear him chuckle under his breath “Nothing much, just the definition of diet.” He whispers back, looking at the lecturer “I guess you didn’t get much sleep last night.” “No but I promise, no more sleeping off in class.” I smile. I woke up so tired and lazy this morning. Uche's party last night took all strength from me, coupled with Ubong demands to meet with me.“— and according to the United State
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER FOURTEEN
*****“Miss. Eno Ekanem.” Miss. Adeyemi Rotimi smith, the H.O.D, calls, opening a file as she flips the paper inside it “I can see in the next of kin column in your file, you filled a female name, Unwana Ekanem. Is she your daughter or your sister? Judging by your tittle, Miss, I have to ask” she says, looking to get a response from me.“She’s my daughter Ma and I was never married. I was supposed to marry her father but circumstances did not permit.” I briefly explain the little confusion on my file.“Ok, I wanted to be sure before signing. How old is your daughter? She asks again.“She’s thirteen.” I reply“Wow, and you still look this beautiful? Taking care of a thirteen years old girl all by yourself?” I can tell her question is rhetorically then I smile “If I may ask, are you sure you can cope with this course and still look after your daughter? I mean, you are aware this is a practical course?” she points.“My daughter is in a boarding school, this gives me a lot of time to focu
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER FIFTEEN
******I sit in the canteen behind the department with Jude, chatting about small stuff, family and everything in-between. Jude is a tall, light skinned man; he is sincere and smiles a lot, one of his outstanding charm. He is welcoming and basically the only person who don’t see me as his rival in the department.Ever since Miss. Adeyemi Rotimi Smith announced the privileges attached to our department, everyone has taken it as a competition and has seen each other as rivals. Especially Miss. Abike. Her father happens to be the C.E.O of a five star hotel in Ikoyi. She looks down on everyone just because she was born with a silver spoon. Mrs. Edward, an unfortunate woman who had a bicker with Miss. Abike, might have sat quietly and listened to Abike run her mouth but not me. I’m just waiting for the day she will try it with me. Not that I’m beefing or anything, I mean, I’m just saying.“I hope there wasn’t any complication?” Jude ask me as I put a straw inside my bottle of Fanta.“Not
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LIMITSÂ Â Â EPILOGUE
******UNWANA p. o. vI want to be like my mom when I grow up. Looking at her as we walk out of the airport, holding the hands of her husband, my father and holding me on my shoulder while we enter into the limousine sent from the GREG RESORT to pick us up to our new house in California. She I my role model, she’s strong, focus and has a good eye for men. I like my dad, Mr. Adewale Rotimi Smith far more than uncle Chidi, my mom’s ex. My mother had a sad beginning and now she is laughing at last and has also made me laugh.Now I don’t have to continue at command secondary school anymore, daddy said I will finish my education here. I’ll miss my friends but please, I’ll make new ones.I almost forgot, I’ll soon be a big sister. #smiles#The End
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
*****My heart beats faster and my legs wiggles weakly. The silent treatment is killing me slowly and I find my self saying;“Please Wale, can I at least see you one last time.” I plead, still standing by the door.Yet, he says nothing. I turn and rest my back on the door while I squat down “I’m sorry I didn’t fully trust you. I’m sorry I compared you to the past men in my life, I’m sorry I gave you the impression that I didn’t love you, I’m sorry I doubted your love.” I speak, fighting the tears wrestling to pour “Ever since Ubong left me with Unwana, my daughter, in my womb, Living had been very hard. Some days when the humiliation grew worst, I attempt aborting my child and every time, I failed. If not for my Parent’s undying love, who knows if I would have been alive today.” I converse as tears floods my eyes and my beating heart threatens to stop.“I hated Ubong with my life, then a day came, I gave birth to my Bright star and from the first day I laid eyes on her, I found hope.
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
********I get down from the Taxi in front of Wale's gate then, I pay the driver before he drives off. I stand a while facing the large, black gate while trying to rehearse what to say when i go in and see him.“Uhm, uhm,” I clear my throat “Your sister is worried about you so she ask me to check on you to see how you are doing.” No, it doesn’t sound right, why should I be the one Tessy sends.I try another one “Baby, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have held back that kind of important part of my life from you.” That’s if I get the opportunity to speak.“Honey, you can hate me all you want but I will not leave here until you forgive me or at least hear me out.” How pitiful. He can as well call the police on my ass and they will just bundle me out.“Uh,” I sigh “Darling remember the fun time we had, remember you said you don’t care what circumstances have to offer, as far as you have me.” Ah, I’m so desperate.“Calling him all the sweet pet name in the world’s list doesn’t guarantee me earning
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER THIRTY
********It’s been two weeks since I last heard from Wale, he also has been avoiding my calls. And right now, I’m so worried about him, what a twist. First, men leave me when I tell them about my other half and when I thought concealing that information was best, I lose the love of my life.Life is good, fair, unbalanced and cruel at the same time and I just stand alone at the receiving end. Is there even an atom of love left somewhere for me?I can feel my head spinning out of control, my eyes bulging out and I look so tired.I stare at the lecturer without hearing a word of what he’s saying and the harder I stare, the more the face of the lecturer turns into the face of Wale. I’m losing my mind.“Are you ok.” Jude's voice brings me back to class the moment the lecturer left the classroom.“Yes, I’m fine. Just having a little headache.” I say, using my left hand to rub my head. My head had start to hurt from much thinking and I feel miserable. I just need to lay on my bed and cry but
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
*******Wale Laughs suspiciously at my expression.“Eno, is this you?” She asks on her feet, taking a good look at me to be sure with an identical surprise expression as mine.“Yes, it’s me.” i laugh, not trying to contain my surprise.She makes her way to where I stand and hugs me warmly “I can’t believe this. So you are the Eno my brother has been talking about.” She remarks, ending the hug and looking at me again “I know only one Eno which is you but I never suspected he was talking about the one I know.”“Miss Adeyemi, I’m as stun as you are.” I say smiling.“The title. Please, call my Tessy.” She tells me, taking my hands “Come, sit, I’m so happy to see you.”“Thanks.” I reply following her to the executive booth.It will sound weird calling Miss Adeyemi, Tessy. She and I have become closer in school and she has helped me a lot to become one of the best at school. As a nutritionist, her advice has placed me on the right track.“Meet my fiancé, Gabriel.” She introduce me to the ha
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
******Omoh and I stayed home all afternoon watching into the badlands with a bowl of popcorn in-between us. And at the end of the seventh episode of the first season, she turns to me and says “I believe you haven’t told him yet.” Reducing the volume of my T.V set.“Told him what?” I ask as if unacquainted with what she’s talking about.“Eno!” She calls out.“What?”“You know he has the right to know.” She declares, with worrying look on he pretty face.“I know and I will tell him.” I tell her “I plan on telling him tonight.” “You are going on a date with him tonight, and you are supposed to meet his sister too. When will you have the time to tell him?”Omoh is right; I may not have the time to tell him. I might be carried away, who knows. I don’t know how to answer her question; I just need to ponder on how to create a right opportunity.“Why haven’t you told him before now?” She asks again.I return my gaze to Omoh “I wanted to be sure. I don’t want to bring another man into my da
LIMITSÂ Â Â TWENTY-SEVEN
*****What can make a girl happier than being with a guy she loves? Wale indeed, is the best boyfriend ever.I’m not saying I regret my previous boyfriends, no, what I’m saying is, they have taught me the different perception of relationships.It’s been a month since Wale and I have been dating, he’s been so caring, loving, possessive, romantic, and Jealous even. I love the fact that he is this way, it make me feel less alone. He makes me laugh always, he hates my genre of movies, he loves singing in the shower and he respects me a lot and that’s my best part.Unlike the previous men in my life, Wale professes his love for me at any given opportunity, he kisses me every time we see no matter the place, he calls me and show up when he says he will. He always keeps to his word.A part of me feels that he’s just being the way he is because our relationship is still fresh. I know it is wrong to compare him with the past men in my life but a part of me still cautions me to be careful, tha
LIMITSÂ Â Â TWENTY-SIX
******“You are homely, that’s one attribute I look forward to see in my woman.” Wale compliments, spreading himself comfortably on the couch.And instead of being happy, I only get more confused. “Your woman!” I repeat quite ridiculously.He sniggers “You still haven’t given me an answer to my question.” Wale says. This time, adjusting himself on the couch and facing me fully with his eyes hooded eyes locking me strongly in my position.“What question?” I ask, baffle. Pretending not to recall. But I remember vividly of the night in his car, in front of my house when he asked me if he was my type of man. But the question I failed to ask him was, if he wasn't my type, will he be willing to change for me?He exhales deeply “Eno, I know you know what I mean. Is that why you ignore my calls?” I hear is question come out with an air of depression.“You are getting me more confused here.” I tell him instead.“The last time you said you are not my type of woman but then, and even now I’m ask
LIMITSÂ Â Â CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
*******I stand speechless in front Wale while my brain makes effort to suggest what I should say. In the meantime, I stare at his dimpled smile still dumbfounded. Unexpectedly, he places his right hand on my arm, moving it lightly. Feeling the chills down my spine, I quickly move back, putting a fine distance between us.He smiles widely, aware of reason for resisting his touch “Are you shy?” He inquires.“No, I’m sweaty.” I reply with a good enough excuse.I watch him laugh hysterically, enjoying himself. I won't lie, I like the sound of his laughter but I manage my composure and tell him plainly “I need to get out of this sweaty cloths, I’m not comfortable in it.” I can’t say for certain what I’m not comfortable in anymore. Is it really the sweaty clothes or his piercing stare.“I’ll wait.” He finally says.“You’ll wait, where?” I puff.“My car is very comfortable.” wearing a serious face, he tells me.“Is he planning on waiting in his car? I thought he will leave, why isn’t he l
